SECTION 16820
SOUND MASKING SYSTEMS
This section is based on the products of Cambridge Sound Management, which is located at:
404 Wyman St Suite 200
Waltham, MA 02451
Toll Free Tel: (800) 219.8199
Tel: (617) 349-3779
Fax: (617) 349.3788
Email: info@csmQt.com
Web: http://www.csmQt.com.
Cambridge Sound Management, LLC, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is the developer of Qt Quiet
technology™.
We have a distinguished heritage in the field of acoustics. Today, a select group of worldwide partners
that includes a network of manufacturers, resellers, systems integrators and installers provide
configuration and installation expertise to thousands of customers of Qt Quiet technology™-based
systems. These systems are deployed in over 50 million square feet of home and commercial space
ranging in size from small SCIFS to millions of square feet of open office environment.
Note to Specifier: View hidden text in this document for additional specifying information (In
Microsoft Word 2003, select the Show/Hide button on the Standard Toolbar. For Microsoft Word
2007 this can be found in the paragraph section of the home tab).
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1
SECTION INCLUDES
16820-1
1.2
RELATED SECTIONS
A.
Section 16050 – Basic Electrical Methods and Materials.
1.3
FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF SYSTEMS
A.
Distribute sound masking to some or all open office areas.
1.4
1.5
B.
Distribute sound masking to some or all closed offices.
C.
Distribute paging signals to some or all open office areas.
D.
Distribute paging signals to some or all closed offices.
E.
Distribute background music to specified offices.
DEFINITIONS
A.
Privacy Index: According to American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard
E1130.
B.
Octave and 1/3-Octave Bands: Centered on ANSI/ISO preferred frequencies.
C.
Sound Level Meter and Filter Set: Calibrated ANSI Type 1 or Type 2.
D.
Pink Noise: Constant energy in constant percentage (e.g. 1/1 or 1/3 octave) frequency
bands, random or pseudo-random noise.
E.
SPL: Sound pressure level in dB re 0.00002 Pa (0.0002 microbar).
F.
ISO: International Standards Organization.
G.
NEC: National Electrical Code.
H.
UL: Underwriters Laboratories.
I.
CUL: Canadian Underwriters Laboratories.
J.
CE: Consultants Europe.
SUBMITTALS
A.
Submit under provisions of Section 01300.
1.
Within 10 days of delivery of bid package provide:
16820-2
a.
2.
1.6
Qualifications/References.
2)
Certifications (including certificate of bonding, if required).
3)
Proposed payment terms.
Within 30 days of award provide:
a.
Bill of materials.
b.
Manufacturer product data sheets.
c.
Shop drawings including layouts of all speakers.
d.
Installation methods.
Manufacturer Qualifications:
1.
B.
Project Management: Maintain the same person in charge of work throughout
installation.
Contractor Qualifications: To be considered qualified for this work, the contracting firm
shall be experienced in the provision of sound systems similar in complexity to those
required for this project, and meet the following:
1.
The Contractor’s primary business is the provision, fabrication and installation of
distributed sound and related systems.
2.
The Contractor is an authorized dealer for the major product components furnished.
3.
Provide documentation of ability in installing similar systems. Furnish the names,
addresses and telephone numbers of the Owner on three projects similar in scope,
which the Contractor has installed within the last 3 years.
DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A.
1.8
1)
QUALITY ASSURANCE
A.
1.7
Basis of bid documents, including:
Store products in manufacturer's unopened packaging until ready for installation.
PROJECT CONDITIONS
16820-3
A.
1.9
Maintain environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and ventilation) within limits
recommended by manufacturer for optimum results. Do not install products under
environmental conditions outside manufacturer's absolute limits.
WARRANTY
Manufacturer shall warrant equipment will be free of defects in materials and workmanship that
interfere with its proper operation as a sound masking, paging and music distribution system for a
minimum period of five (5) years from date of final system acceptance for speakers and one (1) year for
control modules.
PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1
MANUFACTURERS
A.
2.2
2.3
Acceptable Manufacturer: Cambridge Sound Management; 404 Wyman St., Waltham, MA
02451. Toll Free Tel: (800) 219.8199. Tel: (617) 349-3779. Fax: (617) 349.3788. Email:
info@csmQt.com. Web: http://www.csmQt.com.
SYSTEM TYPE
A.
The system shall be based on a Direct Field system
B.
This specification includes four models of sound generators within the Qt Quiet
technology™ product suite. The four models of the Qt PRO™ control modules all employ
and require the same speakers and cabling.
MODULAR FOUR CHANNEL DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING (DSP) BASED, THREE OR FIVE ZONE
GENERATOR/CONTROLLER WITH PAGING AND BACKGROUND MUSIC DISTRIBUTION AND
NETWORK CONTROL CAPABILITY
A.
Wall mountable Background Sound Generator/Controller with 4 uncorrelated outputs per
zone. Capable of controlling background sound and paging for office buildings up to
180,000 sq. ft. (16,722 sq. m) of coverage area. Combines software adjustable gain
management and frequency equalization specifically tailored to the operating
characteristics of the speaker or speakers provided.
1.
Control software must be installed and resident on controller and accessible using
any standard browser from any computer resident on the network.
16820-4
2.
Capable of automatic background sound level adjustment (ramping) based on time
of day and day of week. Time source provided by SNTP server. Field adjustable using
provided Ethernet connection.
3.
Dedicated 1/3 octave equalizer covering ISO bands from 200 Hz to 5,000 Hz for
background sound spectrum, preset at factory for recommended operation. Field
adjustable using provided Ethernet connection and factory installed software.
4.
Dedicated 1/1 octave equalizer covering ISO bands from 200 Hz to 12,800 Hz for
paging input. Field adjustable using provided Ethernet connection.
5.
Two balanced inputs for paging signals via 3 screw terminal compression (Phoenix+)
type connectors.
6.
One single-ended 2 channel (stereo) input for music via dual RCA and mini-jack
connectors.
7.
Dedicated compressor and peak limiter for paging inputs.
8.
Output level adjustable in 1 dB steps over a minimum range of 30 decibels, and off.
9.
Separate control of each audio output level for each output zone.
10.
Four button control and LCD readout of system settings on front panel.
11.
EthernetTM (10) input for network control of operation with 2 levels of (password
protection).
12.
UL/CUL/CE listed power supply.
13.
Greenspec listed for energy efficiency.
14.
Minimum Performance Requirements:
a.
Supply Power: 110 – 240 VAC 1.5 Amperes.
b.
Maximum Power Consumption: 8 Watts per zone.
c.
Rated ambient temperature range: 40 to 90 degrees F (4 to 32 degrees C).
d.
Output Voltage: 10 volts RMS minimum sine wave and 30 volts minimum peak
– peak background sound at full load, each channel (meets NEC Class 2
requirements for low voltage distribution).
e.
Audio (paging) input: 600 ohm line bridging (40 K-Ohms), differential, line level
(6V max).
16820-5
B.
2.4
f.
Audio (music) input: 600 ohm line bridging (10 K-Ohms), single ended, line
level (3V max).
g.
Minimum Output Power: Sufficient to drive up to 300 speakers per zone (total
of 1500 speakers) to specified background sound pressure level.
h.
Maximum Dimensions: 12 inches H by 11.5 inches W by 4.75 inches D.
i.
Maximum Weight: 5 lb.
Acceptable Products:
1.
Product: Cambridge Sound Management Model Qt PRO 900 with standard 3-zone
output configuration.
2.
Product: Cambridge Sound Management Model Qt PRO 1500 with standard 5-zone
output configuration.
3.
Qt Quiet technology control software for adjustment of system operating
parameters from local network or Internet locations.
FOUR CHANNEL DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING (DSP) BASED TWO ZONE GENERATOR/CONTROLLER
WITH PAGING AND BACKGROUND MUSIC DISTRIBUTION
A.
Wall mountable background sound generator/controller with 4 uncorrelated outputs.
Capable of controlling background sound and paging for one or two separate zones of
sound masking with all-call paging selectable by zone, and up to 240 speakers. Frequency
equalization specifically tailored to the operating characteristics of the speakers provided.
1.
One audio input on rear panel operable in balanced or single ended configuration for
distribution of externally generated signals via 4 terminal compression type
connectors. One three-position input level (sensitivity) selector switch.
2.
Dedicated compressor and peak limiter for paging input.
3.
Output level adjustable in 1 dB steps over a minimum range of 30 decibels, and off.
4.
Separate control of audio output level for each output zone.
5.
Four button control and LCD readout of system settings on front panel.
6.
UL/CUL/CE listed power supply.
7.
System speakers GreenSpec-Listed for energy efficiency.
8.
Minimum Performance Requirements:
16820-6
B.
Supply Power: 110 – 240 VAC 0.9 Amperes.
b.
Rated ambient temperature range: 40 to 90 degrees F (4 to 32 degrees C).
c.
Output Voltage: 7 volts RMS minimum sine wave and 21 volts minimum peak –
peak background sound at full load, each channel (meets NEC Class 2
requirements for low voltage distribution).
d.
Audio (paging) input: 600 ohm line bridging, differential or single ended, 1 volt
nominal, adjustable between 250 millivolts, 1v, or 4v RMS via three position
switch.
e.
Minimum Output Power: Sufficient to drive up to 240 speakers for one zone
or 120 speakers per zone for two zones to specified background sound
pressure level.
f.
Maximum Dimensions: 3.5 inches H by 10.8 inches W by 3.75 inches D.
g.
Maximum Weight: 1.5 lb.
Acceptable Products:
1.
2.5
a.
Product: Cambridge Sound Management Model Qt 200
FOUR CHANNEL DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING (DSP) BASED SIX ZONE GENERATOR/CONTROLLER
WITH PAGING AND BACKGROUND MUSIC DISTRIBUTION AND NETWORK CONTROL CAPABILITY
A.
Wall mountable background sound generator/controller with 4 uncorrelated sound
masking output channels on each zone. Capable of controlling background sound and
paging for up to six separate zones of sound masking with paging (two inputs) selectable by
zone, and up to 720 speakers. Frequency equalization specifically tailored to the operating
characteristics of the speakers provided.
1.
Capable of automatic background sound level adjustment (ramping) based on time
of day and day of week. Time source provided by integrated Real Time Clock with
battery backup or external SNTP server. Field adjustable using provided Ethernet
connection and factory installed software.
2.
Dedicated 1/3 octave equalizer covering ISO bands from 200 Hz to 5,000 Hz for
background sound spectrum, preset at factory for recommended operation. Field
adjustable using provided Ethernet connection and factory installed software.
3.
Dedicated 1/1 octave equalizer covering ISO bands from 200 Hz to 12,800 Hz for
paging input. Field adjustable using provided Ethernet connection and factory
installed software.
16820-7
B.
4.
Speaker network fault detection capability.
5.
Two audio inputs on rear panel operable in balanced or single ended configuration
for distribution of externally generated signals via 4 terminal compression type
connectors. Two three-position input level (sensitivity) selector switches.
6.
Two contact closure interfaces on rear panel: one turns off masking on closure; one
turns off Audio B on closure. May be used to duck masking and/or Audio B during
emergency situations.
7.
Dedicated compressor and peak limiter for each audio input.
8.
Output level adjustable in 1 dB steps over a minimum range of 30 decibels, and off.
9.
Separate control of each audio output level for each output zone.
10.
Four button control and LCD readout of system settings on front panel.
11.
EthernetTM (10/100) input for network control of operation (password protected).
12.
UL/CUL/CE listed power supply.
13.
System speakers GreenSpec-Listed for energy efficiency.
14.
Minimum Performance Requirements:
a.
Supply Power: 110 – 240 VAC 0.9 Amperes.
b.
Rated ambient temperature range: 40 to 90 degrees F (4 to 32 degrees C).
c.
Output Voltage: 7 volts RMS minimum sine wave and 21 volts minimum peak –
peak background sound at full load, each channel (meets NEC Class 2
requirements for low voltage distribution).
d.
Audio (paging) input: 600 ohm line bridging, differential or single ended, 1 volt
nominal, adjustable between 250 mv, 1v , or 4v RMS via three position switch.
e.
Minimum Output Power: Sufficient to drive up to 120 speakers per zone for six
zones to specified background sound pressure level.
f.
Maximum Dimensions: 3.5 inches H by 13.5 inches W by 3.75 inches D.
g.
Maximum Weight: 2.0 lb.
Acceptable Products:
1.
Product: Cambridge Sound Management Model Qt 600
16820-8
2.
2.6
SPEAKERS
A.
B.
Miniature self-contained ceiling mounted speaker/enclosure/baffle system.
1.
Designed specifically for distributing sound in background sound systems and
combined background sound/paging systems. Wide dispersion to maximize spatial
uniformity of sound in the area of coverage.
2.
Convenient twist and lock retaining ring construction to minimize installation time
and provide a secure attachment to ceiling tiles or other mounting surface.
3.
Built in signal logic to automatically select correct channel of distribution.
4.
All connections via RJ45 data-style connectors for quick installation.
5.
Eye loop for securing unit with safety wire.
6.
Dimensions: 3-5/16 inches (84 mm) baffle diameter, 2-1/2 inches (63.5 mm) height.
7.
Weight: 5.6 oz (2.5 kg) maximum.
8.
UL 2043 certified for plenum installation.
9.
UL approved. Approvals and certifications. Labeling must be on speakers.
Acceptable Products:
1.
2.7
Qt Quiet technology control software for adjustment of system operating
parameters from local network or Internet locations.
Product: Cambridge Sound Management Qt Speaker with optional mounting
brackets as follows:
a.
EEM – 1 mounting for wooden beam or wall mounting.
b.
EEM – 2 mounting for suspended applications.
c.
DEM – 2 mounting for sheetrock ceilings.
d.
DEM – 3 mounting for sheetrock/drywall ceilings.
SPEAKER CABLING
A.
Patch cables terminated with RJ45 connector at each end.
16820-9
B.
1.
Type: CAT3 provided with system. CAT5, CAT6 optional
2.
Unshielded stranded twisted pair construction.
3.
Meet EIA/TIA Standard 568b.
4.
AWG #24 stranded conductors with overall PVC or plenum-rated jacket.
Acceptable Products:
1.
Cambridge Sound Management 16 feet (4.9 m) or 30 feet (9.1m) Speaker Cable
Assembly.
2.
Approved equal.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1
3.2
3.3
EXAMINATION
A.
Do not begin installation until support substrates have been properly prepared.
B.
If support substrate preparation is the responsibility of another installer, notify Architect of
unsatisfactory preparation before proceeding.
GENERAL INSTALLATION
A.
Equipment shall be installed by competent workers at locations shown on the drawings in
strict accordance with approved shop drawings and manufacturer's instructions.
B.
Equipment, except portable equipment, shall be firmly held in place. This requirement
includes speaker drivers, enclosures, amplifiers, cables, etc. Fastenings and supports
adequate to support their loads with a safety factor of at least three.
C.
Take such precautions as necessary to prevent and guard against electro-magnetic and
electro-static hum. Installation of the equipment shall provide safety for the operator.
D.
Protect all equipment from construction dust and debris until final completion of project
work by all trades and final acceptance of the system.
GENERATOR/CONTROLLER
16820-10
3.4
3.5
A.
Locate Generator/Controllers as shown on drawings, and near an available dedicated
110VAC receptacle.
B.
Locate at a convenient location for operation from floor level and separate multiple units
by a minimum of one foot (305 mm).
C.
Mount Generator/Controller and Processor securely to wall or other vertical surface with
screws or mounting brackets provided.
D.
Attach line level and speaker cables connecting to controllers securely with suitable strainrelief clamps.
E.
Identify all speaker home run wires and cables at termination and connection points with
approved cable markers. Label each cable with cable marker keyed to a wiring schedule
indicating the corresponding area of building served. Designate building floor level and
zone, and whether area served is open plan or enclosed offices.
SPEAKERS IN CEILING TILES
A.
Cut hole in center of each ceiling tile scheduled using a hole saw.
B.
Taking care not to visibly distort tile, slip provided locking collar on back of speaker and
firmly tighten against ceiling.
C.
If required by Local Authority in Charge, secure speaker to building or ceiling suspension
structure using safety wire and eye loop on speaker.
D.
Connect cabling to speakers with system live, starting at controller end of distribution lines.
Connect line from output of operating controller set to maximum output to socket
designated as input on speaker. Verify operation of each speaker by listening before tile is
finally installed in ceiling. If speaker does not operate, fault may be in lines or defective
speakers upstream of inoperative unit: correct before continuing. Note that inadvertent
connection of line to output of speaker rather than to input will cause some downstream
speakers (up to 4 speakers after misconnected unit) to be rendered inoperative.
SPEAKER CABLING
A.
Cabling routed within return air plenum shall be plenum-rated unless installed in conduit.
B.
Using a CAT cable tester, test all field fabricated cables, before installation, for open
circuits, shorts, crossed pairs, reversed pairs, split pairs and proper pin-out.
16820-11
3.6
C.
Install signal cables secured to ceiling hanger support or building structure per local code
and electrical inspector requirements. Cabling shall not contact ceiling tiles or inhibit their
removal for access to the plenum. Provide adequate service loop for convenient access to
speaker.
D.
Connect no more than 60 speakers/home run.
E.
Install no more than 1000 feet (305 m) of cable between Generator/Controller unit and last
speaker on each home run.
SYSTEM TESTS AND ADJUSTMENTS
A.
B.
Initial Test and Adjustments: Perform and record results of the following tests:
1.
Speaker Operation: Near field output of each speaker shall match the zone average
within +/- 1.5 decibels. Listen directly below each installed speaker to confirm it is
operating. For any speakers found to be inoperative, or possibly operating at an
incorrect level, use a sound level meter set to A-weighting and slow response to
check the output of each such speaker. Place the microphone in contact with each
grille.
2.
Replace any defective speakers or cabling, or otherwise correct cause for any
speakers found to be operating outside this range.
3.
Buzzes, Rattles, and Distortion: With system operating at maximum level, listen for
any buzzes, rattles, and objectionable distortion in all areas covered. Correct all
causes of these defects.
4.
Control Settings: Adjust all level controls for normal operation. Measure the Aweighted sound pressure level using a sound level meter set to A-weighting and slow
response at representative locations within each zone. Adjust average initial levels in
open plan areas to 46 dBA at normal occupants’ locations and in closed: offices or
rooms to 42 dBA.
System Performance Tests:
1.
Demonstrate to the Owner’s Representative that the system is fully operable and
installed in compliance with the terms of the specifications.
2.
Test the system in each open plan area zone served to demonstrate that the design
goal for spatial uniformity is met. Tests shall be carried out per ASTM Standard E1041
as measured in the 2,000 Hz octave band. At each location, the average sound
pressure levels shall be measured over an interval of at least 4 seconds. For at least
75% of the test locations, the arithmetic mean sound pressure level in the 2,000 Hz
16820-12
octave band shall not vary by more than 1 dB from the average of the arithmetic
mean sound pressure levels measured at all locations.
3.7
PROTECTION
A.
Protect installed products until completion of project.
B.
Touch-up, repair or replace damaged products before Substantial Completion.
END OF SECTION
16820-13